There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey embrace of freshly baked Baklava Sticky Buns to brighten your day. Picture this: the sweet scent of honey, toasted nuts, and warm spices wafting through your kitchen, promising a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. I stumbled upon this recipe during an afternoon of experimentation, aiming to marry the beloved flavors of baklava with my favorite cinnamon rolls.
What emerged was a creation that dazzles the senses, combining buttery, flaky dough with the rich, sweet filling of walnuts, pistachios, and a hint of lemon zest. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for brunch or a cozy family get-together. As we dive into these delectable buns, get ready to elevate your baking game while leaving behind the typical fast food routine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why are Baklava Sticky Buns so special?
Irresistible, these buns pack all the flavor of traditional baklava in each gooey bite. Unique twist on cinnamon rolls that will impress your guests with a blend of walnuts, pistachios, and spices. Easy to make, even for beginner bakers, the process is straightforward and the ingredients simple. Versatile enough for brunch or dessert, they can be customized with your favorite nuts. Plus, the melting honey and buttery dough create a crowd-pleasing treat that’ll have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy making these delightful buns and consider trying them with my easy Cinnamon Roll Buns for a spin on the classic!
Baklava Sticky Buns Ingredients
• Get ready to impress!
For the Dough
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast – This is the magic that makes your buns fluffy and delightful.
• ½ cup (113g) warm milk – Warm milk helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar – The sugar nourishes the yeast and sweetens the dough.
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g) – A warm spice that ties the flavors together.
• 1 large egg, room temperature – Gives the dough structure and a tender crumb.
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – The foundation of your dough for that perfect bun texture.
For the Filling
• 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar, packed – Adds deep sweetness and caramel notes to the filling.
• 3 tablespoons (64g) honey – Enhances the sweetness and gives a sticky, gooey texture.
• ¾ cup (85g) chopped walnuts and pistachios – These nuts provide a delightful crunch and traditional baklava flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavors with a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds aromatic freshness for a zesty kick.
For the Topping
• 4 tablespoons (57g) butter, softened – Helps create a luscious blend for the topping on your sticky buns.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Helps create that irresistible sweet crust on top.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Reintroduces warm spices, making every bite taste like a hug!
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Thickens the topping for an ideal spreadable paste.
• ½ cup (85g) chopped walnuts and pistachios – Extra crunch and flavor to sprinkle over the top.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Complements the nuts and adds vibrant flavor to the topping.
Every time you whip up these Baklava Sticky Buns, you can feel that delightful blend of flavors filling your kitchen. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Baklava Sticky Buns
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with warm milk. Sprinkle in the yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
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Knead Dough: With love and care, knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour gradually. Cover and let it rise in a warm area until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
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Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, heat together brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar is melted. Pour this luscious mixture into a greased 9×9 or 10×8 pan and sprinkle the chopped nuts on top. Set aside.
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Make Topping Paste: In a separate small bowl, mix softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and flour until you have a spreadable paste that will be a delicious filling.
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Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down then roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 10” x 12”.
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Spread and Roll: Evenly spread the filling paste over the dough, then sprinkle with chopped nuts. Begin rolling from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal, and slice the roll into 9 equal portions.
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Rise Again: Place the buns cut side down in the prepared pan, gently flattening them so they’re touching. Cover and let them rise again until puffy, around 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F during this phase.
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Bake: Pop the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. They should be a lovely golden brown. If needed, cover the top with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. After baking, let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for a sweeter finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Baklava Sticky Buns
Room Temperature: Store leftover Baklava Sticky Buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious!
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the buns in an airtight container, keeping them good for up to 5 days. Warm them briefly in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: Freeze the buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in the oven for a few minutes.
Reheating: When reheating, wrap the buns in foil to retain moisture and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for the best results.
What to Serve with Baklava Sticky Buns?
Elevate your sweet treat experience with delightful pairings that complement these gooey, aromatic buns.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits cuts through the sweetness while adding a refreshing crunch.
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Greek Yogurt with Honey: Smooth, creamy yogurt pairs beautifully with drizzle of honey, offering a tangy contrast to the sticky sweetness.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai flavor enhance the bun’s richness, adding another layer of comfort to your snack time.
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Coffee: A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the buns, creating an indulgent morning ritual that awakens the senses.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm buns with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert; the creaminess blends perfectly with the warm, gooey filling.
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Candied Nuts: Adding a sprinkle of candied walnuts or pistachios brings out the nutty flavors while offering a delightful crunch.
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Cream Cheese Icing: A tangy icing drizzled on top would add a luscious finish, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a creamy texture.
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Mint Tea: A light, refreshing mint tea can be served alongside to cleanse the palate, offering a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the buns.
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Warm Milk: Simple, comforting, and familiar, warm milk is a delightful choice for dunking pieces of your baklava sticky buns.
Each of these pairings ensures a delightful accompaniment, turning your treat into a full-fledged experience!
Tips for the Best Baklava Sticky Buns
Use Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot; it should comfortably warm your hands. Hot milk can kill the yeast and inhibit rising.
Monitor Rising Times: Dough consistency can vary; keep an eye on the dough rather than strictly timing it. It should double in size for the best texture.
Don’t Skimp on Kneading: Knead thoroughly for a few minutes to develop gluten. This creates a chewier texture, making your Baklava Sticky Buns delightfully fluffy!
Evenly Spread the Filling: Make sure the filling is evenly spread to avoid any dry bites. This ensures every mouthful is filled with delicious sweet and nutty goodness.
Watch for Bake Color: Check for a golden brown color while baking. If the tops brown too quickly, use foil to tent them towards the end to keep the insides soft and gooey.
Drizzle for Extra Flavor: Consider drizzling a bit of extra honey on top right before serving for that authentic baklava taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Baklava Sticky Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance—just follow the steps to mix and knead before covering and refrigerating. Additionally, you can assemble the buns in the pan, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise before preheating your oven. This way, your buns will be just as delicious and fresh, ensuring a warm, gooey treat with minimal effort on your hectic mornings!
Baklava Sticky Buns Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make your Baklava Sticky Buns even more special.
- Nut-Free: Replace the walnuts and pistachios with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a safe, equally crunchy alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the filling for a surprising warmth with each bite.
- Citrus Burst: Enhance the lemon flavor by incorporating orange zest along with the lemon – a refreshing twist that brightens the buns beautifully.
For a more decadent treat, swap the standard sugar for brown sugar throughout. This change deepens the sweetness with rich caramel undertones. You won’t regret a single bite!
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the filling for a delightful chocolatey contrast to the warm spices.
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based version.
- Caramel Glaze: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the buns before serving. Indulgence at its finest!
Elevate to brunch stardom by serving these buns alongside a cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting for an exquisite finish. All the flavors blend beautifully together!
- Dried Fruits: Toss in some dried figs or apricots among the nuts for a pleasant chewiness and added layers of fruity flavor.
Now, get ready to bake and create your very own signature version of these delightful buns!
Baklava Sticky Buns Recipe FAQs
What type of nuts should I use for Baklava Sticky Buns?
I recommend using walnuts and pistachios, as they are traditional for baklava. However, you can mix and match based on your taste preferences—almonds or hazelnuts could also work beautifully to create a unique flavor profile!
How should I store leftover Baklava Sticky Buns?
To keep your delicious buns fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have more leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container, which will help them stay good for up to 5 days. Just warm them slightly in the microwave for a delightful experience!
Can I freeze Baklava Sticky Buns?
Absolutely! To freeze, individually wrap each bun in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise adequately?
If your dough hasn’t risen as expected, it may be due to the yeast being inactive. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and verify you’re using warm milk (not hot!). If that’s not the issue, make sure you’re letting it rise in a warm spot; sometimes, putting it near a heater or in an oven preheated for just a minute can help. If all else fails, knead the dough a bit more to redistribute the warmth and give it another go.
Can I make Baklava Sticky Buns vegan?
Yes! You can easily substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to keep it dairy-free as well. These swaps will still yield delightful results!
How long does it take to make Baklava Sticky Buns?
The total time you’ll spend is around 2 hours, including mixing, rising, and baking—the hands-on part is quite quick, taking about 30-35 minutes to bake, but do allow time for the dough to rise, which typically takes about 1.5 hours combined. Patience makes these treats worth every minute!
Baklava Sticky Buns That Will Impress Your Family and Friends
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with warm milk. Sprinkle in the yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes. Cover and let it rise in a warm area until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
- While the dough rises, heat together brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter in a saucepan, stirring until melted. Pour into a greased pan and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Mix softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and flour in a bowl until a spreadable paste forms.
- Once risen, gently punch down dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread the filling over the dough and sprinkle with nuts, then roll it up and slice into 9 portions.
- Place buns cut side down in the pan, cover, and let rise again for about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra honey if desired.